Microbiological features of aquifer thermal energy storage systems
A study was initiated to determine the environmental effects of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) technology pertaining to microbial communities indigenous to ATES and the propagation, movement, and release of pathogenic microorganisms within ATES systems. Six water samples from various locations within a chill ATES system in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, were obtained to develop a microbial profile. In addition, two head wells were sampled using glass slides/solid support device (SSD) to assess the importance of adhering microbial populations. Bacteria were observed in all water samples collected Heterotrophic bacteria represented the largest group observed. In addition, coliforms and pseudomonad (bacteria that may be opportunistic human pathogens) were observed in many of the samples. However, no true human pathogens were observed in the water or solid support samples. Although preliminary, the data suggests that chill ATES does not increase the level of pathogenic microorganisms in aquifers. 14 refs., 1 fig., 5 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 6368740
- Report Number(s):
- PNL-SA-16723; CONF-890351-1; ON: DE89009160
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Thermal energy storage program review, New Orleans, LA, USA, 15 Mar 1989; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AQUIFERS
HEAT STORAGE
BACTERIA
HEALTH HAZARDS
MICROORGANISMS
EVALUATION
ALABAMA
COLIFORMS
COOLING TOWERS
DETECTION
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
GROUND WATER
PATHOGENS
PSEUDOMONAS
ENERGY STORAGE
FEDERAL REGION IV
HAZARDS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
STORAGE
TOWERS
USA
WATER
250600* - Energy Storage- Thermal
550700 - Microbiology